Abstract: A temporary tattoo can be formed on a person's skin, using a stencil mechanism that has flexibility and adhesive attachment to the skin surface. For handling and storage purposes, the flexible stencil sheet is sandwiched between a backing sheet and a protective carrier sheet. In use of the stencil mechanism, the protective carrier sheet and stencil sheet are torn away from the backing sheet to expose an adhesive film on the stencil sheet. After the stencil sheet has been adhesively attached to the skin surface the carrier sheet is peeled off of the stencil sheet to expose the stencil openings. Colored dye is applied through the stencil openings to form a temporary tattoo on the skin surface.